Posted On November 27, 2014 By In Lifestyle, Manzone

When Life Gives You Lemons, Say Thanks

 
 

Every weekday morning, I turn on the news to hear voices.  It is unlikely that I will engage in active listening before I’ve had my first cup of coffee. However, hearing the weatherman’s warm voice and seeing the traffic reporter in full hair and makeup reminds me that there are other souls awake.  As a non-morning person, this daily routine inspires me to get up and stay up.  Sometimes I’ll drink my coffee and pause for a second to hear what my news anchor friends are blabbing about.  Last Monday, before 7am, they told me about a family who had been caught in a horrific house fire.  The two children died, the father suffered severe burns, and the mother went into labor.  This was a tragedy that put me in a funk for quite awhile.  The next day, I listened again.  “Good morning, there was a hit-and run.  Child lives, mother dies.  If you see this truck, call 555…”  And then the next day.  “Death, disease, partly cloudy with a chance of depressing.”  And you heard about Ferguson, right?  WTF.

Let’s take a break from the negative vibes.  Let’s remember that there is still good out there because there is.  There is so much good.  Studies show that people who regularly practice feeling thankful have a leg up when it comes to health, happiness, and coping skills.  What better time than Thanksgiving to create a list of things you are thankful for?  Be mindful of what you have, no matter how silly or small, and start seeing the extra goodness that your list will inevitably bring to your life.

There are so many reasons to be thankful today no matter what the “breaking news” might be.  Here, I’ll give you twenty.

 

 

1. You woke up like this.

If you’re reading this, you made it.  Enjoy stuffing your face with turkey, pie, and all the fixings because you’re alive, you fucking survivor.

 

 

2. Freedom of choice.

Because sometimes you can’t decide if you want a bowl of coffee or a cup of tea.  I’m thankful for options.

 

 

3. Second (and third, fourth…) chances.

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to.  Maybe you ate a roll of cookie dough in the middle of a juice cleanse.  Perhaps you said something to your significant other that you wish you could take back.  If you haven’t yet, you will.  Thank goodness for a chance to turn it all around.

 

 

4. Adventures.

All I need in life is good coffee and road trips.  I am thankful for the ability to travel and for my passion to never stop exploring.

 

 

5. Netflix.

My neck, my back, my Netflix and my snacks.  Ya feeeeeel me?

 

 

6. Zombies only exist on screen.

You will never have to worry about having your face eaten off by a smelly dead person.  How great is that?!

 

 

7. Furry creatures.

Is there anything better than those furry little nuggets in our lives?  NO.  I’m pretty sure cats are emotionally unattached at all times, but when a dog loves you…that shit is unconditional.

 

 

8. Another human loves you.

Unless you’re a devil worshipper who cuts in line and never wears deodorant, you are probably deeply loved by someone(s).  I love you.  Your mom loves you.  Your pet loves you.  The list goes on.

 

 

9. The horn.

Not THAT horn.  I’m talking about the car horn that you get to utilize when someone cuts you off while they’re texting.  It just feels good to beep at someone who doesn’t deserve to live.

 

 

10. Getting rejected.

You might not know it then, but being rejected tends to be a blessing in disguise.  It means that something better is on the way as long as you don’t give up.

 

 

11. Pizza.

If you’re having a bad day, I dare you to tell me that pizza won’t fix it.

 

 

12. A powerful, healthy body.

Ever since my mom was diagnosed with MS and lost feeling from the waist down, I have realized how lucky I am to have the ability to run, jump, and get from A-Z with ease.

 

 

13. People who say “bless you”

Even though the origin of this phrase is a bit dated, it is still common courtesy to say “bless you” after someone sneezes.  On one awkward occasion, my friend sneezed while in a car ride with her date and he didn’t say ANYTHING.  That was their last date.  I’m just sayin.

 

 

14. Razors.

Because without razors, beards would be commonplace and how would you find all the hipsters?

 

 

15. Tweezers.

Because living with my elementary school uni-brow at this age would be social suicide.

 

 

16. Latte art.

…And baristas who remember your order.  There is just something special about a well-decorated beverage.  I mean, if you’re going to shell out $4.50 for some espresso and steamed milk, you might as well get a fucking heart on top.

 

 

17. Your ass.

It will never be as round, perky, and youthful as it is today.  Shake that badonkadonk.

 

 

18. Social media.

Because without it, we wouldn’t have visual proof that our friends are getting engaged or checking in at 24-hr Fitness.

 

 

19. Live music.

Music, especially when it is unfiltered and authentic, is better than a maple donut with bacon on top.

 

 

20. This fucking life.

Thank you so much.

 

What are YOU thankful for?

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Elin Van Atta is a writer for Writtalin. She is a senior marketing student at CSULB and Pilates instructor in-training. Elin lives in a fantasy land and often goes on adventures that she can't afford. She enjoys cat-free living quarters, cookie butter, and running half-marathons. Always drinking coffee. Never not drinking coffee. She really likes coffee. Follow her on Instagram @elinvanatta for a glimpse into the life of an overly caffeinated twenty something in-n-out of suburbia.